Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar
New American restaurant · Truckee ·

Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar

New American restaurant · Truckee ·

Historic ski lodge with city views, eclectic meals & deck seating

Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by Lauren Lindley
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by Lauren Lindley
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar by null

Information

10142 Rue Hilltop, Truckee, CA 96161 Get directions

$$$

Reserve a table
Order delivery
See Menu
reservations required

Information

Static Map

10142 Rue Hilltop, Truckee, CA 96161 Get directions

+1 530 587 5711
cottonwoodrestaurant.com
@cottonwoodtruckee

$$$ · Menu

Reserve a table

Features

wifi
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
reservations required

Last updated

Dec 5, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation
132,670 Postcards · 3,232 Cities

The 19 Best Restaurants Near Lake Tahoe - Tahoe - The Infatuation

"It’s hard not to notice Cottonwood as you’re driving through Truckee—the restaurant’s large cliffside patio and red neon sign dominate the views from downtown. You have two options: dinner on the outdoor patio under hanging string lights, or a more casual experience at the indoor bar, housed in a former ski lodge from 1928. The menu is the same in both places, but the patio area is better if you’re looking for a more romantic or elegant atmosphere. No matter where you sit, you’ll be pleased with the menu, whether you’re sharing the mushroom medley veggie tacos at the bar or pairing your coriander-lime fettuccine with a glass of wine on the patio at sunset." - suzie dundas

https://www.theinfatuation.com/tahoe/guides/best-restaurants-near-lake-tahoe-nevada-california
Lauren Lindley
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar
@infatuation
132,670 Postcards · 3,232 Cities

Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar - Review - Truckee - Tahoe - The Infatuation

"It’s hard not to notice Cottonwood as you’re driving through Truckee—the restaurant’s large cliffside patio and red neon sign dominate the views from downtown. You have two options: dinner on the outdoor patio under hanging string lights, or a more casual experience at the indoor bar, housed in a former ski lodge from 1928. The menu is the same in both places, but the patio area is better if you’re looking for a more romantic or elegant atmosphere. No matter where you sit, you’ll be pleased with the menu, whether you’re sharing the mushroom medley veggie tacos at the bar or pairing your coriander-lime fettuccine with a glass of wine on the patio at sunset." - Suzie Dundas

https://www.theinfatuation.com/tahoe/reviews/cottonwood-restaurant-and-bar
Lauren Lindley
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar

Amy

Google
My best friend and I arrived for a 7:15 pm reservation and were immediately seated on the outdoor patio as we requested. We were greeted by Kate, who hands-down has to be the best server in this area. She was kind, knowledgeable, friendly & made us feel very welcome. Throughout the meal, she checked on us frequently and made sure we had everything we needed for dinner. The assistant staff were outstanding as well, from refilling our water to delivering beverages from the bar, and delivering our food. Everything was calm, fluid, delicious, rustic-simple-elegance, efficient, & top-notch. We never felt rushed and we had a lovely evening looking over downtown Truckee. Every table had an amazing view. We were able to pay our bill from our table using an online service that was streamlined and simple. Easiest platform I’ve ever used to pay a bill. Food- we ordered the bread (date butter, yes thank you) My best friend had the French onion soup. We shared the cauliflower appetizer. I had the buratta & squash. Everything was 10/10. We are not vegan but just wanted something light tonight.

Joyce P.

Google
We recently had my daughter's wedding and reception at Cottonwood. The service, ambience, and food were all fabulous. I love how the restaurant worked with us to plan the best possible menu for our budget and the right quantities. They were able to accommodate a dj/dancing, a photo booth, outdoor ceremony, and indoor dinner. Everything was perfect.

Pamela L

Google
Worth a visit for dinner! At night you can see the sign that reads Hilltop Lodge from downtown. A quick journey over the river and through the woods, on a bumpy, dark and sketchy road, leads you to an old building that looks abandoned. Inside is minimal ski decor, Wood floors, round wooden tables and chairs that probably from the 70s, but it's clean and the people are nice. Each table has a view of downtown Truckee. The lighting is dim, so you'll need your phone flashlight to read the menu. The service is Excellent. Friendly, fastakd attentive. Three different people helped our waitress deliver drinks, appetizers, and entrees. Our group shared the Brussels sprouts, broccolini, house-made bread with fig butter, elk loin, and rack of lamb. The bread and butter were warm, fluffy, and creatively displayed. The elk loin tasted like tender beef with a tangy glaze. The rack of lamb was seasoned perfectly and dressed with a berry demi-glaze. The Brussels sprouts….. they're still Brussels sprouts, but they did their best. Bacon bits and thinly sliced apples definitely helped. Overall, the Cottonwood is worth a dinner visit. The rustic charm, great service, and delicious food will make you forget you're eating in the dark.

M Antonio C

Google
Sometimes, you find a restaurant that just makes you comfortable. Cottonwood is that type of place. From the moment you enter, it feels almost like home. It has the "old Tahoe" feelings, too. I didn't realize how much i missed the old days. The food was very good. The servers were very friendly. I had a wonderful meal.

Janet B

Google
We've had brunch and dinner here while visiting Truckee and loved it. The food is great, the staff friendly, and the view from the outside seating is fantastic.

Lisa C.

Google
My husband and I just had a wonderful 39 year anniversary at Cottonwood Restaurant in Truckee. This has always been a special place for us but tonight was magical. The food was so delicious, our waiter Laurie was wonderful and to top it off....the most lovely sunset. We also received an anniversary card signed by staff and a gift card to come back which we definitely will. Forgot to mention we had the traditional caesar salad and we ate it old school with our fingers.....yummy!! Thanks for the memory!

Sam Y

Google
First of all the staff is great, amazing service and great views. We got the date butter, jumbo chicken wings, french onion soup, Caesar salad with chicken and the chicken burger with truffle fries. Date butter is a must try soooo freaking good, lactose intolerant me could not stay away, definitely worth two lactaids. The salad portion is huge- can be full meal for two lol. Surprised with how fresh and crunchy the lettuce was. The onion soup just hit the spot for a great belly warming on a cold night. There was a crazy random hail storm that afternoon, snow in july who would think! The rose paired nice with it. The wings & burger was good too, fries 🌟🌟🌟 The only reason I dint put a 5star, is just personal preference as I like food a little spicy and none of it (esp the wings) was that. As the place is super popular, do make reservations.

Gayden R.

Google
Made a reservation on a Monday night for our one year anniversary and asked for a window table. We showed up forty five minutes early to enjoy some cocktails and let the elderly hostess know we had arrived early and would be at the bar so she could seat us whenever was convenient. We were very clear that we did not expect to be seated early. When she was ready to seat us, it was at a lousy table in the middle of the room. When I asked about the window table she had just given to another group, she snarkily said, “We do not make reservations for tables.” This was frustrating because we did not come here for the mediocre food or the run down old ambiance. We wanted to spend time together with a nice view of Truckee. But we figured what the heck and tried to make the best of it. Since we had been at the bar for twenty minutes, we already knew exactly what we wanted, and because we did not have a view, we decided to order everything at once. This is when our server told us we could not order our main courses yet because she had not taken the main course order of the customers who arrived after us, the same customers she gave our window table to. This was unbelievably rude and discouraging and it really put a damper on our night. We ended up paying our tab, tipping very well for our drinks because the bartender was genuinely kind and polite, and leaving. We went to Truckee Tavern and had the nicest time. I would strongly discourage checking out Cottonwood. The condescending attitude of the hostess is what happens when a restaurant makes too much money and stops caring about losing a customer or two. Support a better business in the area.
google avatar

Lisa C.

Yelp
My husband and I just had a wonderful 39 year anniversary at Cottonwood Restaurant in Truckee. This has always been a special place for us but tonight was magical. The food was so delicious, our waiter Laurie was wonderful and to top it off....the most lovely sunset. We also received an anniversary card signed by staff and a gift card to come back which we definitely will. Forgot to mention we had the traditional caesar salad and we ate it old school with our fingers.....yummy!! Thanks for the memory!
google avatar

Pamela L.

Yelp
Of all the times I've been to Truckee, I somehow managed to miss this hidden gem -- and by "hidden," I mean it glows at night. From downtown you can see a giant sign shining like a beacon that says Hilltop Lodge. A quick journey over the river and through the woods -- on a bumpy, dark and sketchy road, leads you to an old building perched on a hill. It looks like a ski lodge and a vintage bar had a baby, that grew up and decided to serve really good food. Inside, the vibe is rustic and cozy in a "your uncle's cabin that he actually cleans" kind of way. Wood floors, round wooden tables and chairs that probably witnessed the '70s -- but it's spotless. Each table has a view of the downtown area. The lighting is so dim you'll need your phone flashlight to read the menu. The service is Excellent. Friendly, fast, and so attentive that three different people helped our waitress deliver drinks, appetizers, and entrees. Our crew shared the Brussels sprouts, broccolini, house-made bread with fig butter, elk loin, and rack of lamb. The bread and butter were warm, fluffy, and j creatively displayed. The elk loin tasted like tender beef with a tangy glaze that could win over a picky carnivore. The rack of lamb was seasoned perfectly and dressed up with a berry demi-glaze. And the Brussels sprouts? Well, they're still Brussels sprouts -- but they did their best. Bacon bits and thinly sliced apples definitely helped their case. All in all, Cottonwood is absolutely worth the visit. Rustic charm, great service, and food that'll make you forget you're eating in the dark.
google avatar

Berles C.

Yelp
Food tasted decent, but the portion was small for the buratta and kale salads - especially compared to the Ceasar. The rack of lamb was 4 ribs and were a little dry. Especially since lamb is so fatty. Disappointments - They charge for bread. A refill on a Diet Coke costs extra, which is just absurd bc a refill that costs the restaurant the at about $.50. Carrot cake doesn't have cream cheese frosting so it was really disappointing. I've loved Cottonwood for special occasions but think I'll try to find a new place.
google avatar

Brittany L.

Yelp
SAVE YOUR MONEY We decided to come here to celebrate my birthday and my son's birthday and we were so disappointed. We ordered the fried chicken sandwich, cheeseburger, chicken wings, and chicken tenders for my youngest. It tasted like bar food you'd order on a happy hour menu, at best. $160 was outrageous for the quality! You're essentially paying for a great view. The bun on the burger was hard as a ROCK. Definitely won't be back and sadly, would not recommend.
google avatar

Pat P.

Yelp
My family comes here every summer for a special dinner out. The ambience here cannot be beat, the view of downtown Truckee from the deck is spectacular, and they have umbrellas to block the sun and blankets for when the weather cools down. I would definitely recommend booking a reservation for the deck, as I feel that is the best way to experience this spot. The service is what you expect at a higher end restaurant. The menu is succinct, but offers a range of options from cheeseburgers to rack of lamb. The Caesar salad has always been a stand out here, we order it every time we come and is the perfect size for sharing between four adults. This year it was especially good (it has been inconsistent in the past), being generous with the dressing and having a punchy anchovy and garlic flavor. If you like anchovies, you can also ask for more of them on top, which we did. The garlic truffle fries were also great for sharing, and had the perfect amount of truffle flavor. The seared cod on the current menu is exceptional, with buttery meat and crispy, salty skin on top of flavorful pesto risotto. For those who like rare meat, beware that the pork chop and rack of lamb lean medium. The only thing we were disappointed with this time around where the crispy brussels sprouts, which were a bit under blanched and did not have the flavor we have experienced in the past. Cottonwood continues to be an enjoyable family tradition, and if you're looking for a more upscale restaurant with a great view, I would recommend.
google avatar

Mona F.

Yelp
This has been our local go to restaurant for special occasions and guests! Admittedly, Truckee cuisine isn't anything to brag about, but Cottonwood offers so much! First off, the ambience, both inside and inside seating are hard to beat. It overlooks downtown Truckee and has a cozy living room vibe. The cocktails are exceptional and thoughtfully crafted throughout the seasons - you really can't go wrong. Our favorite menu items are the bread (with homemade date butter!!!), whole leaf caesar salad with homemade dressing, fried chicken sandwich, veggie burger, homemade coriander pasta with chicken and last but not least, the HOMEMADE CARROT CAKE! Seriously, one of the best carrot cakes I've had in my life. The reason for 4 stars is their overpriced entrees which are not good.
google avatar

Bree G.

Yelp
I've been to cottonwood a couple times now and each time has been very enjoyable. Whether on the deck or indoors by the windows, the view is special. Service was delightful and warm. I absolutely love their Caesar salad and it is best shared, as it is big. Whether you want wine or a mocktail, their drink selection is quality. I celebrated my birthday here and they definitely went over and beyond to make it a special night. I'd love to go back during Summer to see what it is like then, too.
google avatar

Dale T.

Yelp
A Mountain Gem That Hits Every Note--Especially the Fried Chicken Sandwich ! If you find yourself in Truckee and don't make a pilgrimage to Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, you're missing out on something magical. Nestled in a historic ski lodge overlooking the town, the vibe alone is worth the visit--cozy wood beams, twinkling lights, and that dreamy mountain view from the deck. But the real star of my evening? The fried chicken sandwich. Golden, crispy perfection on the outside, juicy and tender inside, layered with just the right balance of pickled peppercinis, slaw, and sauce. Every bite was a concert of crunch and flavor, the kind you close your eyes to savor. I've had a lot of fried chicken in my day, but this one might be the new gold standard. The service was lightning-fast and genuinely warm. From the moment we walked in, the staff treated us like regulars--friendly, attentive, and just plain awesome. You can tell they care about creating a great experience, not just taking your order. To top it off, the vibe was upbeat and relaxed--perfect for dinner with friends. Whether you're local or just passing through, do yourself a favor: go to Cottonwood, order that fried chicken sandwich, and soak in the Truckee charm. This place is more than a restaurant--it's a memory waiting to happen. ---
google avatar

William V.

Yelp
Although the deck will soon be history as winter takes over, it's a special treat to take advantage of the beautiful view as long as it's open. But the main dining room is also comfortable and warm. I come for the special full leaf Caesar Salad(for 2 minimum), but the fish is always very fresh and well prepared. The staff is obviously well trained in customer service and it shows. Lastly it's a lively bar with full service if you come alone.

J P.

Yelp
We recently had my daughter's wedding and reception at Cottonwood. The service, ambience, and food were all fabulous. I love how the restaurant worked with us to plan the best possible menu for our budget and the right quantities. They were able to accommodate a dj/dancing, a photo booth, outdoor ceremony, and indoor dinner. Everything was perfect.

Kellie M.

Yelp
This is a great place - wonderful location (a little sketch driving up the driveway). We weren't sure when we had to make a reservation on line and prepay to reserve a dinner time. But no concerns after we found such a great place - it's clear the locals know how great a place this is - the location overlooking the City of Truckee (especially as it gets dark and the town lights come on). I am a vegetarian - they have a black bean "meatloaf" which was tasty. As a vegetarian, I've come across a lot of places which attempt to make we non-meat eaters feel at home - Cottonwood did it. Husband had cod and rice - he loved it as well. Not sure about the bad reviews for this place - the staff was attentive and truly seemed happy to be there. We mentioned once that we were there for our anniversary - and only after we left did I see that our desserts were comped (with the note "anniversary" on our tag). Absolutely recommend this place, especially since it makes you feel like a local who knows about this "secret" location.
google avatar

Alex M.

Yelp
We came here with a large gaggle of girls for my bachelorette party. Everyone was so accommodating and wanted us to have a great time! We were seated on the patio with a beautiful view over Truckee. Even with a large party, service was fantastic. They made great recommendations and the food was nothing short of fantastic! They even had vegan options on the menu to accommodate different dietary preferences. For my main, I got the red wine braised short ribs. They were delicious and melted in your mouth! Absolutely divine!
google avatar

Alicia W.

Yelp
We came here for my friend's bachelorette party dinner before bar hopping in downtown Truckee! We got to sit outside on the patio which overlooks downtown and the nearby mountains, it was beautiful. They have string lights and heaters that turn on once it starts getting dark. They have live music on the inside on certain nights. Plus some fun vintage ski decorations! It's a bit off the downtown strip, probably about half a mile to walk from here to other bars and things to do downtown. It's not too far but is a pretty steep walk down for girls in heels! As I am currently pregnant, I was excited to see the Non-Sense Mocktail on the menu! It was fruity and pretty sweet but made me feel included with all my friends who got cocktails. I think the appetizers were the best part of this meal! We got the bread and butter, butternut squash + burrata, and sides of garlic truffle fries. The bread and butter included regular butter and a delicious cinnamon butter that I could've ate with a spoon because it was so good. The burrata was really yummy too but the garlic truffle fries were my fave! Big serving size, plenty of garlic and Parmesan cheese, crispy fries. I got the chipotle chicken pasta for my entree. I really liked the pasta and the sauce but was not a fan of the baked chicken. It was served as a large piece that was hardly seasoned. I think it would've been better if it was seasoned, grilled, and then sliced and mixed into the pasta. The serving size was also a little on the smaller side. We all split some chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert which was a great way to end the meal! Service was good but it did take a while for some of the girls to get their second round of drinks after ordering them. They provided complimentary shots for everyone at the end of the meal since we were there for a bachelorette which was really nice. Overall, we had a good experience here and I would come back again!
google avatar

Tori Y.

Yelp
Super cute restaurant just beyond downtown Truckee! The inside was pretty cute with a more cozy vibe (and had live music on Friday night) but their patio/deck was the selling point for me - and it had heat lamps! Our server was very nice and super attentive. The price point was about on par with the rest of Truckee but I think it's a little overpriced for what you are getting. I had ordered the bucatini and added shrimp which was very tasty. Definitely a top favorite place to eat in Truckee.
google avatar

Art S.

Yelp
Other than the location, just about everything else about our experience was terrible. Brussel sprout appetizer was undercooked. Caesar salad was good, but the kale salad was near inedible. Ribeye steak was incredibly fatty (even for a ribeye). Elk main was cold. Pasta dish was ok. Chocolate cake desert was cold and stale. Tried to order coffee, but they only had 1/2 cup left and would not brew any more. Waiter gave us the 1/2 cup coffee and said there would be no charge, but a $5 charge still showed up on the bill. Highly recommend that you do NOT frequent this place. They have a sister restaurant in town called the Truckee Tavern that is a much better spot. Go there!

Byron H.

Yelp
Too pricey and slow service, for what you are getting. Ordered the Ribeye steak. Should have gone to Safeway and called it a day for a third of the price. Ordered the chocolate cake recommended by the server. She didn't tell us it was a vegetarian cake! It was one of our special places for decades. Not anymore....PS put some asphalt down on the entrance road.
google avatar

Brittany R.

Yelp
Came here for brunch on a Saturday morning. Had the French onion soup, black bean burger, and Tahoe hash (plus a few mimosas tee hee). Our server Joey was wonderful and the food was delicious, fresh, and satisfying. Would love to come back for dinner as I can imagine the view overlooking Truckee is spectacular as the sun sets and the lights turn on.
google avatar

Linda D.

Yelp
Location is awesome. You get to see downtown Truckee while dining. There is an option to sit outside or dine indoor. Service is great but food is not very impressive.
google avatar

Richard N.

Yelp
The desert was great. The pork chop was great. Dinner coffee needs a major improvement.
google avatar

Megan A.

Yelp
We had a work Christmas party here and they were super accommodating to our large crowd, kid friendly and had exceptional service. As stressful as it could have been for a waiter- spencer handled service well, made sure everyone had what they needed and had a smile on his face while doing it. The food was also so unique and mouthwatering. We will definitely be back!

Thomas H.

Yelp
Once, one of our favorite places for cocktails and dinner. No so, any longer. Bar prices have risen out of sight for poorly made cocktails on our most recent and LAST VISIT. The food was ok but not up to the quality we remember from our previous visits. We ate at the bar on our recent visit, the bartender didn't seem to be enjoying her job, no personality. $22 for a poorly made Manhattan, not for me.
google avatar

Christina M.

Yelp
We had a great experience today. Joey killed it! Not only was the salad the best I've had in a long time but the overall service killed it. Bread was amazing and the vibe was amazing
google avatar

kara S.

Yelp
We stop here often for a drink and to sit outside with the awesome view in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter indoor seating it is :) The bar is nice and friendly. We had breakfast the other day and the hash was amazing. The bloody Mary's here are also delicious and come with a variety of pickled veggies. I definitely recommend checking this spot out.

Gina A.

Yelp
Excellent service and the food was amazing. I highly recommend the Caesar's salad. Though it's definitely a shared item, the salad is fresh and savory. The ambiance is off the charts. If you like ski history this is your place. From pictures, equipment, and the oldest ski hill right outside the restaurant, this place screams nostalgia. Then if you are able to be seated next to the windows you will overlook the historic town of Truckee. Day or night it is a beautiful view. Summertime allows deck seating with the same view. Enjoy!!
google avatar

Kristin G.

Yelp
Our favorite place to eat in Truckee when in town! Recently, we dined there this past Friday evening and then again for brunch on Saturday. The views and sunsets are gorgeous, and the staff is excellent even when they are understaffed. The new general manager is such a sweet heart! I highly recommend this place to everyone. Do yourself a favor and ALWAYS order the Caesar salad (with a side of anchovies). YUM!
google avatar

Jess A.

Yelp
We went to Cottonwood one evening in the summer with some friends who were visiting and had a lovely time. It's hard to beat the view from the patio and the vibe is really fun. We enjoyed the food and the company, and the servers were really nice and understanding about our friends' toddler. All in all a great experience!
google avatar

deb L.

Yelp
Food underwhelming. Eggs Benedict was undercooked almost raw egg. Cesar salad heavily dressed made greens very limp.

Rich C.

Yelp
I don't follow orders well so, I'll go out of order: Service was wonderful from start to finish. Our server, Spencer, was so exceptionally accommodating. He gave us great suggestions and did a great job! Food was delish. That Caesar Salad... OMG!!! French onion soup ... magnifique!! And we had the short ribs ... to die for!! Cottonwood is all about that ambiance!! It's such a great view of Truckee. We were here in mid-winter. Snow was falling. Lights twinkling inside and out. Yes it's old school. People are dressed comfortably and we enjoy that vibe. I've read the neg reviews ... I give them no credibility. You must have come in in a bad mood. Recommend The Cottonwood 1000%

Lawrence C.

Yelp
Great food, great service, great view. We've been going to the Cottonwood since the 1980s and have never been disappointed! it is situated on tops a hill overlooking the city of Truckee and the beautiful mountains.
google avatar

Lisa L.

Yelp
I've always sat at the restaurant to eat, and the entrées are hearty and great for the winter months. On my recent trip I just sat at the bar and enjoyed the local vibe. The bartenders were good and the drinks were stout.

Myra D.

Yelp
I live this restaurant in Truckee. The view is fantastic. Parking is easy. Great bar drinks, happy hour and more. Burgers or fancy rack of lamb, in addition lion to many menu items.
google avatar

Phil N.

Yelp
This is a somewhat elevated experience for Truckee In service, and with the beautiful view of town. It's one of the oldest places in town, a old ski resort. The bones are still there with some hip retro touches. Service was good. Servers were knowledgeable and attentive. The menu has the right amount of items and makes a effort to have some affordable items with elevated dishes. We had the flank steak and it had a magnificent sear. Enjoyed the experience and the food

shanon c.

Yelp
Recently had dinner and had the salmon which was served with black beans which is usually for a salmon dinner. Usually vegetables and even mashed potatoes accompany a salmon dinner. . We asked for bread and it must of been frozen and put in the microwave. Of course the bread was not good and we were charged extra for the bread. So now for dessert, we asked for ice cream and they said they were out of ice cream. HOW WOULD THAT HAPPEN? I do not know what is happening at cCottonwood but we have had our last meal there
google avatar

Aimee W.

Yelp
It's been ages since we've been to Cottonwood but I'm so glad we came back. Part of the allure is the sweeping views of downtown Truckee and we enjoyed Al fresco dining on the patio. They have plenty of umbrellas to shade customers from the summer sun. Started off with the pork belly appetizer - nice crispy pieces of meat with a cool Napa cabbage slaw as contrast. I thought the buffalo cauliflower was a fun take on wings. Portions can be sizable like the popular burger. Our table also dined on the salmon and bucatini. Topped it off with a great berry crisp.

Kayla B.

Yelp
Service was great, our server was very attentive. The views are gorgeous, however the food was incredibly underwhelming. For the price, we expected a much better culinary experience.

Kate M.

Yelp
Got a window table, great view, great service and fantastic food. Sam was our server and was spot on.

Peter L.

Yelp
Disabled people clearly not welcome. Tried to go here for my partner's birthday. She has a service dog for a physical disability, and we were asked by a host (man with beard and waxed mustache) for documentation. When we told him that's not required by ADA, he asked what the dog's service was. When we told him that, he asked us to guarantee that the dog would remain under the table for the duration of the meal. Then suddenly he wasn't sure if there was outdoor seating. It was very clear to us that we were not welcome, so we left and went to 1882 with my partner in tears. Do not go here if you have a disability, and even if you are able bodied, know that this is who you are supporting.
google avatar

Frannie O.

Yelp
Host A+ Wait Staff B Food: Salmon = D- Wayyyy overpriced, dry, served with a tablespoon on Cauliflower smear and KIDNEY Bean surprise! WHO serves kidney beans with salmon??? 2 different Burgers = D- Burnt buns, overcooked/leathery, soggy cold fries Short Ribs = B for meat + 2 tablespoons cauliflower smear and raw all dente carrots that were inedible. Drinks A Bill = VERY high considering the food quality. Neon Sign - Missing Lights Final Verdict = Wouldn't Recommend!!! This place clearly lacks a true chef who is passionate about his/her food! Owner/Manager banks on apres ski traffic and not serious diners.
google avatar

Megan S.

Yelp
Orders: House Marinara over Bucatini + Bolognese Sauce | Cottonwood Classic Caesar Salad | Butternut Squash Soup This is a popular restaurant in Truckee boasting the only dining room that with a gorgeous view that overlooks downtown Truckee. It's a great option for when you don't want to navigate downtown parking - you can drive just 5 minutes beyond downtown to Cottonwood where they have their own parking lot. During nice weather, you can enjoy Bocce Ball outside on the outdoor patio (has heatlamps). I knew our server Eric from dining at the Truckee Tavern & he is wonderful. Super attentive & always provides great, polite, positive service! I'd definitely go back for brunch, as that menu looks more interesting with fairer prices. I love the staple that this restaurant is for Truckee, but the pricing is high for the simplicity of the dinner meals (for example, our Caesar Salad was $22, and our pasta was mostly noodles, not sauce & was $28. Really good noodles, but still. Our server was really sweet & let us order some extra Bolognese sauce which was reeeally delicious!!) The food was really good & the service and view, excellent! Will be back to give brunch a go! Thank you!!
google avatar

Faye S.

Yelp
We loved Cottonwood! The history of location is interesting. And the view of Truckee is amazing. Especially at sunset. The food was good and the service was on point. My only small complaint is the menu doesn't have a ton of options. But we figured it out and enjoyed dinner. We will be back!
google avatar

Allison D.

Yelp
Delicious food. but our cocktails were served in filthy glasses and they did nothing for us. when you pay those outrageous prices, you expect a lot more than that! We will not return!
google avatar

Shay R.

Yelp
I love coming here on nice days so we can sit outside and enjoy the view - the food is kind of hit or miss, but the service has always been great. Last time we were in, we ordered bread & butter as an appetizer, but it was brought out with our entrees and I was disappointed that the bread was not warm and was pretty stiff/ stale. I enjoyed the burger, but it did not come with any kind of sauce, and they only had ketchup, mustard, or garlic aioli. For a $25 burger, I expected a little more pizazz and a burger sauce at the bare minimum, so it wasn't bad, but wasn't worth the cost either. The short ribs were very good, though served over the smallest helping mashed potatoes I have ever seen, and they were more of a purée. Overall it was a good meal, but not what you'd expect or hope for when considering the price and luxurious ambiance. However, we have been in on other occasions and have had meals that really did meet expectations, so it somewhat depends on what you get or when you go. It's a place we'll keep going back to, even if only for drinks or snacks, because it's absolutely one of the best views & outdoor patios in Truckee, and I love the history of the building itself.
google avatar

Odessa N.

Yelp
Great spot to grab a cozy drink with a great view. Our friends bought us here while we were visiting after a morning of riding at Alpine. We loved all the 1900's photos and ski decor. We all got bloodies to soothe our NYE hangovers and a bunch of cozy eats. Shared the Caesar salad which was tasty. We also shared the lobster bisque with was cozy, but a little too seafoody for me. Everyone else was fine with. I'm sticking with the 5 stars because I'm an absolute nightmare when it comes to ordering. Everyone makes fun of me for this because I'm constantly creating my own dish. Quite often it'll come out wrong and I made a joke that it was going to get get destroyed... our server definitely looked a little confused, but it came back perfectly! Thanks for staying on top of it!
google avatar

Teresa F.

Yelp
Service & atmosphere five star! Food is more like 3 star, especially for the price. My burger & bun were over cooked & my husbands asparagus was burned. (Not much flavor) You are paying for the vibe & people watching! Fries are great, my husband's steak was great. Salads not great. The staff was amazing from the young kid at the host station to our waiter. These guys are on it! Expensive.

Deborah F.

Yelp
Sam provided us with exceptional service and attention. The food was delicious, and the views were breathtaking. I highly recommend this establishment.
google avatar

Christina C.

Yelp
We just finished our anniversary dinner at Cottonwood and could not be more pleased! Our server was so friendly and great and his recommendations were fabulous. The lamb was phenomenal and the chicken chipotle pasta was absolutely delicious. Cocktails were excellent. The view of downtown Truckee from the deck was gorgeous. Dessert (strawberry bread pudding) was delicious. After everything, the entire staff signed a lovely Happy Anniversary card for us- what a class act!! I've never even heard of a restaurant doing that. So touched and so impressed. Thank you, Cottonwood!

Ann S.

Yelp
We were delighted that they were open for brunch/lunch on weekends since we don't drive at night any more. Everything was great: Eric greeted us warmly and had a window table with a great view over Truckee for us. The interior is cozy and historic. Joey, our server, was friendly and efficient. Our hamburgers were delicious, and we left eager to return. Thank you, Cottonwood.
google avatar

Becca L.

Yelp
They have an incredible brunch with unique and fresh cocktails. We enjoy sitting at the bar during happy hour with one of their frenchie margaritas.

Brad R.

Yelp
Was refused service here by the manager. "They do not allow dogs, nor do they recognize ESAs". Went to 1882 Bar & Grill right down the road instead and received excellent service! Their pulled pork sandwich is tremendous as well.